"I watch the news and cry:" Mother, sister of homicide victim speak out after 24 murders in August
MILWAUKEE -- August in Milwaukee made the history books. The city had 24 homicides in August -- the highest total since July of 1991. There are faces behind the numbers -- and families left devastated.
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25-year-old Bennie Bennett was killed in a double homicide on August 9th. His family says they feel pain not only for his death, but for all of the other families experiencing what they are.
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"It's very devastating because never would I have thought it would be my child," said Dinese Bennett, victim's mother.
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Bennie Bennett
For nearly one month, Dinese Bennett and her family have been suffering.
"It really hits home when it happens to you," said Dinese Bennett.
Her 25-year-old son, Bennie Bennett, was killed in a double homicide in early August. It happened in a home at 36th and Congress.
"I'm hurting so bad inside. I don't rest. I don't sleep," said Dinese.
Bennett was one of 24 people killed in Milwaukee during the month of August -- the highest monthly total since July of 1991.
"I watch the news and I cry," said Ashley Ross-Bennett, victim's sister.
The family shares the pain of others who are grieving. They are asking those in the city to look for solutions.
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"It feels like Milwaukee is going through a crisis," said Ross-Bennett.
"The violence is... it's outrageous," said Dinese Bennett.
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Dinese Bennett
This mother and daughter wear charms on their necks filled with Bennett's ashes.
"It makes me feel secure, but a lot of sadness also," said Dinese Bennett. "I just want justice for Bennie. That's all."
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Bennett's ashes
Justice many families are hoping to see in a city that is grieving together.
"I'm praying that Milwaukee will get better," said Dinese Bennett.